PNW4WDA Awarded Recognition

At the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission meeting held on August 10th in Westport the association was awarded recognition for the on-going commitment to their annual coastal cleanup – Operation Shore Patrol.

There were approximately fifty in attendance, those representing the PNW were; Linda Jessen, Region 3  OSP Coordinator, Tony Jessen, Trailbreakers; Bob Brooks, Green River Valley Jeep Club; and Arlene Brooks, WA. St. Director.

The following presentation was given by Pam McConkey, State Parks Volunteer Coordinator.

On behalf of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, I and with the assistance of Commissioner Peterson would like to present the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association with a Certificate of Appreciation.

It has been thirty-six years since Operation Shore Patrol was organized by members of the Pacific NW Four Wheel Drive Association. Since 1971, Operation Shore Patrol has brought communities, civic groups, private industries, state and local government together who support the organizations goal of focusing attention on the accumulated litter from land and water sources which leads to human health and safety; resources and wildlife concerns. Within the thirty-five year period, approximately 30,000 volunteers put in 190,000 hours collecting over 800,000 pounds of debris.

The Association also promotes community cooperation and support from Ilwaco to Moclips prior to and during the cleanup weekend. On behalf of the organization continued effort, in 2001 Washington State Parks and Recreation awarded the association the “Group Volunteer – Longevity Award.”

Along with the Pacific NW Four Wheel Drive Association, other organizations that coordinate and support the coastal cleanup are: Grays Harbor County Commissioners; Chamber of Commerce; Cities of Westport, Ocean Shores and Long Beach; Department of Ecology; Good Sams; Long Beach Peninsula Schools; Merchant’s Associations; Schools; Scouts; Service and Civic Organizations; Telephone Pioneers; Washington State Parks and Recreation and interested citizens.

This organization has been recognized numerous times as National Award Winner within the Take Pride in America program.

Thank you for your hard work and continued efforts in keeping all of our coastal beaches clean.

The Certificate of Appreciation reads as follows:

To the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association – “Thank you for over 30 years of supporting Washington State Parks with Operation Shore Patrol for the enhancement and protection of our recreational and natural sites for the enjoyment of all citizens.”

Dated 10th day of August, 2007 - signed by Rex Derr, Director and Commissioners Robert Petersen, Joan Thomas, Joe Taller, Cecila Vogt, Fred Olson, Mickey Fearn, and Dr. Eliot Scull.